Next week M and I are heading out on our second trans-oceanic flight just the two of us. (No, we are not going back to Dhaka.) And, I’ll be honest, I’m not exactly looking forward to it. He’s getting more mobile and he’s definitely not as easy to fly with as he was when he didn’t move, basically only needed milk and diaper changes, and would just sleep the entire time.
M and I have flown a lot together, and several people have asked me if I have any tips for flying with a baby. While my general parenting style is to wing it because I usually have no idea what the hell I’m doing, I do actually have some advice to give on baby air travel.
Always get a window seat. You have more space and both of you are less likely to get whacked by baggage or a beverage cart.
Pack more diapers than you think you’ll need in your carry-on. Delays, lost luggage, super nasty dumps and all sorts of unfortunate things can happen. While you’re at it, also pack extra outfits for both of you. I’ve never needed them, but I’m pretty sure the day I don’t pack extra clothes will be the day M gets bodily fluid all over both of us. As Scar says, “Be prepared!”
You can break the four ounce liquid rule when traveling with a baby. So bring food pouches, leave water in the sippy cup, and pack what you need to keep your baby happy.
Dress your baby in cute clothes. People are more inclined to like babies that look adorable.
Wear shoes you can take off/put on with no hands or one hand. In case you have to hold your baby and take your shoes off or put them on.
When people offer to help you, always say “yes.” This may mean a stranger holds your baby for a few seconds and that’s okay. They’re offering to help because they think you need it, and, speaking from experience, you probably do.
Don’t be afraid to ask a complete stranger for help. Once I asked an older gentleman if he could hold M for a minute while I untangled the folded stroller and diaper bag. Another time I asked a man (the pilot, it turned out) if he could hold M while I, yet again, untangled the darn stroller. After he handed M back to me he showed me a picture of his toddler. Generally, people want to help you. Put your pride aside and be reminded of the kindness of complete strangers.
Also, know how to fold and unfold your stroller with one hand.
You can wear your baby through security without removing him/her from the carrier. You’ll get a pat-down but they can’t make you take off your Ergo, wrap, etc.
Don’t apologize. You’re traveling with a baby: you’re not doing anything wrong. If anyone actually has the gall to say something rude to you (this has never happened to me but it’s good to be prepared), you can remind them that at they were once a baby and they probably annoyed people too.
Don’t bring toys on the plane that could roll away. So, no balls and invest in triangular crayons.
If possible, buy a seat for your baby. We do this for long flights (4+ hours) and everyone sleeps better. A note about airline bassinets: they are usually located under a screen in the bulkhead area. So keep this in mind if you think your baby won’t be able to sleep with a light-emitting, potentially interesting screen directly overhead.
No matter how terrible it is, the time will pass. Hopefully your baby will sleep the whole time and crying will be minimal. But if this isn’t the case, time will march on, albeit slowly, and the flight will eventually be over. And, when the going gets rough, hopefully you’re on an international flight where the booze are free. No judgement. You’ll probably never see your fellow travelers again anyways.
According to Athena 